Book 6: Chapter 34: A boy becomes a man

Book 6: Chapter 34: A boy becomes a man

The doors to the adventurers guild burst open as two undead knights held the doors. The sunlight streamed around two forms, one a massive giant of metal plates, the other a woman with blond hair and piercing eyes. The metal giant walked down the central corridor as every eye turned his way.

Is that Prince Frank? a man whispered to a companion as Frank's shadow passed over them. Heather stayed by his side as thirty soldiers followed them in, drawn from undead, goblins, and human guards. Every one of them wore the city's colors and carried a shield with the unicorn emblem of Gwen.

You! Frank growled as he spotted the group near the message board. He strode toward them like an engine of destruction as nearby players quickly moved out of the way.

Is that the prince and princess? one of them whispered to another as the group packed up.

Frank approached like a storm, his yellow eyes glaring through the slits of his helmet. He stopped only when he was close enough to tower over the group, even the big warrior who acted as their tank.

You lured a player into the dungeons and murdered her, Frank accused with a pointed claw. You know players are forbidden to fight in our lands.

Heather joined his side, wearing a full green dress with white lacing. She folded her arms as thirty city guards of zombie knights, Goblins, and humans marched up behind them.

We did no such thing, the blond-haired woman shouted. She was already dead when we found her.

Is that so? Heather asked as she smiled slightly. Grettah, will you come out here. She noticed how they flinched as Grettah stepped out from behind the soldiers and nervously made her way to the front. The group looked annoyed when Heather asked if these were the people who had betrayed her.

Grettah nodded and even pointed out who had played what role before the gathered crowd. Now they stood accused of the one crime Heather wouldn't tolerate, abusing a player simply because she wasn't human enough for them.

Get out of the kingdom, Frank commanded. Or I will mark you as enemies, and every guard and NPC will attack you on sight.

You can't do this to us, the blond woman cried. The rule of the land is monster players aren't welcome in hero cities.

I am a hero player! Grettah shouted in protest.

Youre a beast, the big warrior laughed. You may as well be a monster player.

Frank let out a low grumble and reached up to take off his helm. He revealed his gruesome face to the group, causing several of them to look away. He wanted to make sure they understood who they were talking to.

Do you see what I am? Are you going to tell me I can't allow monster players in my city? Frank asked as he tossed the helm aside. The warrior scoffed at him and stepped up with a smile, refusing to be intimidated.

You had better watch your step, he said. Somebody might let the powers in the north know what is going on down here.

Heather wasn't surprised when Frank's arm snapped up, and his massive hand wrapped around the man's neck. Then, with supernatural strength, he lifted the large man from his feet and held him face to face.

The powers in the north already know what is going on down here, Frank said in a cold dead voice. And the south is not part of Kevins empire.

Everything is part of his empire, the man groaned and beat on Franks wrist.

Try telling Queen Gwen that, Frank laughed and squeezed tighter. He wondered if he was taking this too far but quickly put that thought aside. These people abused and bullied another player just because she didnt fit their opinion of what a hero player was. Thus that meant she was as worthless as a monster player and deserved what she got. He felt swells of anger as he was reminded of how people like this had treated him the same way. He wasnt going to allow it to happen here, and certainly not to his friends.Follow current novels at novelhall.com)

Put him down. You're choking him! the blond woman protested as her friends stepped back.

You and your friends are why we started this kingdom, Heather replied. We wanted someplace where hero and monster players could play properly. If you cant appreciate the advantages that offers, then you need to play somewhere else.

Hes already thrown us out of the kingdom, the wizard countered. So we have no choice but to go someplace else.

Heather reached up and put a hand on Franks arm, urging him to put the man down.

Frank, just let him go, Heather begged.

Frank dropped him to the floor and curled his massive claws as if about to rip their throats out. The group responded with tense reactions and glances for the nearest means of escape.

Why don't we give them one more chance? Heather asked. I think people didn't believe we were serious about what we wanted. We should give them a chance to understand it, even if they made a terrible mistake.

That should be Grettahs decision, Frank said as he turned to look at the frightened woman. I will run them out of the kingdom for you.

I dont want that, Grettah replied. I got most of my stuff back. I just want them to pay for a new spear.

Frank nodded and turned back to the group, his horrid mouth snarling. You owe the lady a spear.

Fine, the big warrior gasped as he rubbed his throat. He reached into a pouch and drew out a bag of coins that he tossed at Franks feet. Take that. It should buy a better spear than she had before.

Frank picked the bag up and handed it to Grettah before urging her to go. He then returned to the group and warned them they would be watching.

Oh, and your guild progress is being reset, Heather said with a wicked smile.

What? the blond woman cried. But we were halfway through the ranks!

Sorry, Heather replied, tossing her hair and turning around. You should have thought of that before you killed an innocent player. With that, she hooked Frank's arm, and together they walked out of the guild. It wasn't until they were well into the streets that Heather started to snicker and finally looked at Frank.

That was a dirty way to get ahead of them, Frank said.

They deserve it, Heather argued. I was more than generous by allowing them to stay.

I am surprised you decided to do that, Frank said. I wanted them gone.

I did too, but then I realized that if we're going to rule, we can't do it the way Kevin does. We need to understand that people have been conditioned to think as they do and show some forgiveness. We will drive everybody away if we take a hard stand on every case. If we want things to change, we need to lead by example and give people a chance to follow.

That is very mature of you, Frank said with an approving nod.

I learned it from you, Heather sighed. All those times you told me I was making a mistake and then had it blow up in my face. You always picked me up and put me back on my feet.

That was because I loved you, Frank pointed out.

And we need to love our subjects, Heather said. I don't want to lord it over people. I want to show them that your beautiful dream of hero and monster players working together can come true.

I love you, Frank replied, putting a massive hand around her waist. He swept her up and put her on his shoulder, causing her to giggle as they walked down the street.

So, you think its time to begin? Heather asked.

I think it's needed, Frank replied as he drew stares from the people who saw the princess riding on the shoulder of a massive ghoul as a parade of soldiers followed behind. We need a presence in the city that will remind people we are here and intend to enforce the rules.

Heather couldn't disagree with his point, but things had become so complicated of late. Now that they were all together, they had a plethora of places to live. Frank had a home in his tunnels and Quinny one in her barrow mound. Heather had two homes, one in her tower and another in Gwen's castle. They collectively had a home in Umtha's goblin fortress, and now they were going to build one in the city.

She brought up kingdom heart and opened the display as she rode, reviewing the final details. She was going to build a large floating stone platform of white marble. It would be perfectly square with four waterfalls, one in the center of each side. The water would tumble in thin streams to basins on the ground, but the spray would create rainbows when the sun was right.

The outer ring would be gardens, and the center a large white and gold temple with a dome of glass and metal. Massive banners of green and cream with golden unicorn heads would hang down to signify whose kingdom this was. Gwen was still Queen over the entire region, while Heather and Frank were her children.

Gwen had shown them how to create a fortified private area where no external magic could reach. Players couldn't teleport in or use magic to see or hear into the region. They would have absolute privacy in their palace and a safe place to be together. Only those invited would be allowed to enter the platform, and guards would be stationed everywhere.

A magic door would link this location to Rajeen's temple, adding it to the hub that united all their homes. It allowed them all to function like one big family, something Heather was becoming very fond of.

So we agreed on the design? Heather asked as she looked over the layout.

Well, we agree on the island, Frank replied. I still dont like all the flowers.

He seriously doubted it, but then all of this was new to him. All he knew was that Blackbast sacrificed everything so he could have the love he had now. Thanks to Roric, he was now certain she wanted to be a part of it but, once again, was making a sacrifice for them. She willingly embraced isolation and loneliness to ensure she caused no harm to his family. She was where he was that day. Heather tumbled down the steps of his mausoleum.

He scratched at his head and stopped, realizing this was a nervous tick. This situation was becoming more and more stressful by the moment as he felt wrong for avoiding Blackbast after all she had done for them.

He decided to go down to the hammock where the two women were nearly asleep in each other's arms. They looked so happy, and yet he knew Blackbast was not. The woman was miserable because nobody would love her the way she wanted to be loved.

Hey, sweetheart, Heather called and reached up with a hand to stroke at his cheek. Breanne smiled and reached up as well, the two women displaying their pleasure at seeing him.

Heather, Breanne, Frank whispered as he continued to push them. Do you think we should invite Blackbast in?

Frank, we talked about this already. You know how I feel, and I promise you, your fear isn't going to come true, Heather insisted.

What about you? Frank asked as Breanne met his gaze.

I wondered why it was taking so long, Breanne said. I assume you are afraid we might be temple slaves one day.

Frank nodded, and Breanne shook her head slowly as she smiled. Silly boy, you are our master, and only you could make that decision. If you want to keep us all to yourself, then that's what you do.

She's right, Heather agreed. I wore that ridiculous outfit because you said I had to. You make those decisions now, so you never have to worry. Only you can choose to allow us into the temple, though you might want to send Quinny.

She would have no trouble adapting to that life, Breanne agreed.

I don't want any of you doing it, he insisted.

Then that's all you have to say, Heather replied, touching his lips. I don't want to do it either, and the only way I am ever going to do it is if you command me to. The choice is all yours.

You really want me to have that kind of say in your lives? Frank asked. To make decisions about who can or cant have your bodies?

Frank, Heather laughed and looked him in the eyes. We trust you. We know you wont ever do it, so we dont worry about it. But if it makes you feel better, why dont we agree on some ground rules.

Roric did say they established some very serious rules before they agreed to this life, Breanne reminded.

Right, for example Jaina wouldnt be his slave unless he agreed to never sell her, Heather pointed out. So I we will be your slaves so long as you promise not to share us outside our family. We will make this a ground rule, and if you try to break it we have the right to refuse.

I can agree to that, Frank said as he well and truly felt better. Hearing them say they dont want to do it, and they trust him to ensure they never will brought him some peace. Now that left the matter of dealing with Blackbast and asking her in.

So neither of you are against the idea of her being a part of our family? he asked.

No, Heather cooed as Breanne threw an arm around her to pull her close. You and she are our masters, just like Roric and Rajeen are to the other girls.

Frank had never looked at it like that before and had to take a moment to ponder that point of view. It made sense, and he realized it was foolish to keep putting this off.

Then I am going to go ask her, Frank said.

What? Now? Heather said as she sat up.

Why keep putting it off? Frank asked. I feel like she is suffering and the longer we wait the longer she is in pain. I just want her to feel the appreciation we have for her and all she did to get us here.

She certainly did put a lot of her time and energy into this, Breanne agreed. I suppose we should get down and go find her.

No, Frank said and held a hand out to keep them in place. I need to do this myself.

You want to go alone? Heather asked.

Frank nodded and explained that he was struggling to accept this new way of life. He felt that he was still a bit of a boy inside and that he needed to do this himself. If he was going to be a man he needed to be able to tell a woman he loved her without them at his side to hold his hand. Besides, he felt that she needed to hear it from him first. He explained how Roric had confided in him that Blackbast wanted to be a part of their lives, but was afraid to say anything because of him. So if he went to her and expressed his feelings first, then she would understand that she was fully welcome.

Frank, that is very mature of you, Breanne said with a nod. I am proud of you.

So am I, Heather said. You are such a good man. I dont know how I got so lucky.

You fell down the right set of steps, Frank reminded.

Ha! So I did, Heather agreed and settled back into her snuggle with Breanne. Now go get her and bring her back.

He leaned over the kiss the two women on the head, then headed off in search of the magic door. He found the simple archway that led to a room full of luxury with a large bed and ornate dcor. This was Blackbast's private chambers, and he wasn't surprised at all that it connected directly to Rajeen's inn. Unfortunately, the woman wasn't in her room, so he searched the temple, looking through several bedrooms and baths, before calling out her name in the main hall. He knew she would hear her name being used no matter where she was, but she still didn't answer. That could only mean she wasnt in the temple and he worried that she might be with Rajeen, but she could also be outside.

He wandered out the main doors into a garden of winding paths and secluded areas to make love. He headed down the path choosing one at random that went to a small pond with a bridge to a gazebo of white marble in the middle. There she was, with her back to him as she stared over the water. She wore white silks trimmed with gold, the material drifting in a breeze that ruffled her black fur. He watched her tail gently swish as if she were lost in thought.

This was her life, an existence of long periods of loneliness punctuated by meaningless sex. He was grateful that she had built her home in the magic forest and had the doors to link her to Rajeen, but the previous years of isolation had to have been terrible. He wondered if the reason she had offered to help them was because her isolation was driving her mad. Now that he thought about it, she must have been desperate to have a purpose to her life that wasnt just to provide comfort for travelers. He could end all that here and now, if only he had the courage to tell her.

He walked across the bridge as he felt tension mounting inside. This new life of talking to women to share his feelings was strange and alien to him. He couldn't believe what he was about to do or how things had come to this, but there she was, and he wanted her pain to end. Somehow she didn't notice his approach, so he announced his presence by putting a hand around her waist. She turned with a start and looked into his eyes, her tail twitching in anxiety.

Frank, you frightened me, Blackbast panted.

I'm sorry, he replied, struggling to sound confident. He saw her gaze go to his hand, wondering why he was holding her.

Is there something I can do for you? she asked as her hypnotic green eyes returned to him.

Yes, Frank said as he tried to think of some way to make this moment special. All he could think to do was lean forward and plant a kiss on her feline-like lips. He felt his cheeks prickle from her whiskers as her body tensed in his grasp. She put her hands to his chest and pushed him away, her expression one of shock.

What are you doing? she asked. Are you here to use my services?

No, I am not here for your services, Frank replied, putting his other hand on her waist. I am here for you.

I do not understand, Blackbast said as she started tremble.

I want you, Frank said. I want you to be a part of my life, and the life of the girls.

You mean as in love? Blackbast asked as her tail went wild with twitching.

Frank nodded but he knew he needed to make this moment count. He wanted to get his point across as clearly and powerfully as he could. Though it frightened him to say it he needed her to understand what he wanted.

Blackbast, will you let me love you? Will you join our family to love and manage our slave girls?

Her voice came out in a trembling gasp as she looked away. You are asking me to love you and the others?

I am asking you to marry me and take charge of our harem, Frank replied as Blackbast looked as if she might faint.

What has brought this up? Blackbast said as her eyes trembled. I didnt think you would ever ask me.

Frank reached into his pocket and held out the figurine. He explained how he recognized what she had done for them and all the sacrifices she had made. He even told her he knew about Grumosh and how it was all thanks to her he had the girls. He was now happier than he had ever believed possible and looking forward to a future full of shining moments. Every part of this happiness was thanks to her, and he wanted her to share all of it with him. He knew she was lonely and desperate for somebody to love her for more than her services. He wanted to be that man, and wanted her to stand at his side.

But what of my service in the temple? Blackbast asked. I will not allow what I am to damage your relationships.

I admit I struggle with that part, Frank replied. Heather and I have talked about it for hours and Breanne has shared her advice. They made me promise to never let them serve in the temple, and I agreed. I know you have to do it, but I love you too much to let that get in the way. So long as you can honestly say it will never diminish your love for us, I won't let it diminish mine for you. I wouldnt have come here if I wasnt sure I could do this. Now, I need to know, will you be mine?

Her eyes filled with tears as she threw herself into his arms, vowing her love would only grow. Before he knew it, they were kissing, and hands began to wander as they surrendered to their hunger. In an isolated gazebo, Blackbasts pain finally came to an end as Frank claimed her as his.